The moment I defended her, Selene let out a mocking laugh. "Touched a nerve, did we?"
"What's wrong—afraid we'll find proof of your little sigil swap once we investigate deeper?"
Darian clenched his fists, his expression twisting as though he'd finally reached his breaking point.
"All I wanted was for you to return the prize so I could pay my rite fees and remain at the Academy. That's all. But you've pushed me too far. Now you must face consequences."
He pulled out a small howling stone and activated its connection to the Elder Arbitration Council.
"I'm filing a formal grievance. Kael Nightforge colluded with Adjudicator Elara Duskthorn during the sacred rite to swap my work and steal first ranking in the preliminaries. I demand her immediate removal and the return of what's rightfully mine!"
The other young wolves erupted in howls, eager to witness my downfall.
The pack-echo omens exploded:
[This is peak storytelling! The destined one is so powerful!]
[Finally made the call! The Elder Council is sending investigators!]
[The side character's about to be ruined!]
Selene fixed me with an icy stare, her wolf eyes gleaming with barely contained hostility.